I am generally such an easy-going, good-tempered girl; but when Christopher begins to argue and dictate and contradict, the Furies simply aren't in it with me." "The excellent Thornley certainly has his limitations." Elisabeth's eyes flashed.

She did not mind finding fault with Christopher herself; in fact, she found such fault-finding absolutely necessary to her well-being; but she resented any attempt on the part of another to usurp this, her peculiar prerogative.

"He is very good, all the same," she said, "and extremely clever; and he is my greatest friend." But Alan was bored by Christopher as a subject of conversation, so he changed him for Elisabeth's self.

"How loyal you are!" he exclaimed with admiration; "it is indeed a patent of nobility to be counted among your friends." The girl, having just been guilty of disloyalty, was naturally delighted at this compliment.

"You always understand and appreciate me," she said gratefully, unconscious of the fact that it was Alan's lack of understanding and appreciation which had aroused her gratitude just then.